A bibliometric advances in posterior capsule opacification.

BACKGROUND: Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a common postoperative complication of cataract surgery, often resulting in decreased visual acuity, reduced contrast sensitivity, and glare. Its incidence ranges from 5% to 50% within the first year after surgery, raising significant clinical concern. This study applies bibliometric analysis to explore the evolution of research frontiers and emerging hotspots in the field of PCO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Articles related to PCO published between 2000 and 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were used to analyze publication volume, contributing countries, institutions, authors, journals, keywords, and references. RESULTS: A total of 1951 articles on PCO were identified, with the United States leading in publication output. The University of Vienna ranked as the most productive institution, while Liliana Werner from the University of Utah was the most prolific author. The Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery published the highest number of articles. Early research frequently focused on keywords such as "polymethylmethacrylate" and "extracapsular cataract," whereas recent studies have emphasized terms like "migration," "surface modification," and "mesenchymal transition." The most cited article was authored by D.J. Apple in 1992. CONCLUSIONS: Bibliometric analysis offers valuable insight into the current landscape and developmental trends in PCO research. By highlighting key research themes and emerging areas of interest, this approach can inform clinical research directions and promote collaboration among investigators in the field.